Kin beaten up during bid to stop gang-rape

Sources claimed that the incident occurred when the victim had gone to a hospital with a relative on a bike and was returning home. When she reached Cholapuram village, the gang, who were in an inebriated state, intercepted the bike and dragged her away. Her relative was beaten up while trying to resist the gang’s attempt. The men then raped her and recorded a video. They even called up her husband, a carpenter working in Kerala, from her mobile, and informed him that she was lying in an isolated spot outside the village. 

Meanwhile, locals rushed to the woman’s help on hearing her screams. They admitted her to Ettayapuram GH. Her relative was sent to Thoothukudi GH. When the police were informed, they were reluctant to file a case. They tried to calm the victim but she stood her ground and eventually a rape case was filed against the gang by the Eppodumvenran Police. She also identified seven persons, who were involved in the incident. 

A medical examination was also conducted on her. In the meantime, village elders spoke to her and even offered Rs 3 lakh compensation, but she refused the amount and forced the cops to book a case against the men who had raped her, sources said. She then told the media that several women in her village had suffered the indignity in a similar fashion but did not register cases fearing social stigma. The local panchayat acted as Khap Panchayat and settled all the cases in the village without the knowledge of the police.